Grand jury reviews fatal Bazetta crash; Driver's alcohol level 4X legal limit says patrol

 The Trumbull County Grand Jury is now considering aggravated vehicular homicide charges against Britni Ulam, 35, of Warren, whose blood alcohol level was allegedly more than four times the legal limit in Ohio at the time of a fatal single-vehicle crash in Bazetta Township. The November 3, 2024, crash resulted in the death of 31-year-old Frank Walter, of Cortland.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol's investigation, the crash occurred around 1:26 a.m. on State Route 46.  Troopers say a Nissan Xterra SUV, driven by Ulum, failed to navigate a curve at a high speed, veered off the road, and struck a ditch and culvert before overturning several times.

Both Ulam and Walter, the passenger, were ejected from the vehicle. The patrol stated that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt. Walter was pronounced dead at the scene. Ulam sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized.

An updated crash report lists Ulam’s blood alcohol content after the crash as .339. Additionally, blood tests indicated the presence of benzodiazepines and opiates in Ulam's system. Benzodiazepines are medications that slow down activity in the brain and nervous system, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

A separate accident occurred at the crash site before emergency responders arrived. The patrol reports that a Nissan Altima struck Walter's body in the roadway. The driver of the Altima was not charged.

The Trumbull County Grand Jury will now weigh the evidence presented to decide if there is sufficient cause to charge Ulam in connection with Walter's death formally.